Southport Reporter...News...Southport Reporter...News...Southport Reporter
The North West is to
find out this week whether it has scooped an international tourism
award for the variety and quality of its world-famous golf courses.
The North West of England
is one of just 18 areas throughout the world nominated for the
Established Golf Destination in the Year Award in the competition
organised by The International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO).
Other nominees include
Portugal, Spain, France and Greater Ford Lauderdale in the United
States. Scotland and Ireland are also in the running.
IAGTO is the trade
association of the global golf tourism industry and its membership
includes 500 accredited golf tour operators, golf resorts, hotels, golf
courses, airlines and tourist boards in more than 50 countries.
As England’s Golfing
Capital, Southport is the heart of the region’s golf scene with at
least 15 courses, six of championship standard, within half an hour’s
drive of the town centre.
Tony Corfield, head of
Sefton Tourism, said: “This is fantastic news for the North West and
its golfing product. To receive such recognition at an international
level shows that the area’s reputation as England’s Golfing Capital
is spreading far and wide.
“Golf is an important
tourism element and one that is growing rapidly, particularly in the
Southport area. Many golfers are now making the resort a short-break or
holiday destination where they can not only play superb courses but can
also link their stay to the many events and attractions taking place
throughout the year.”
The winner will be announced at a gala dinner at the Royal Ballroom of the Sun City Resort in South Africa during the International Golf Travel Market. An announcement of the North West’s nomination is expected shortly.
Article by Julia Brough.